Karen Matheson - Urram (2015)

Karen Matheson’s outstanding worldwide reputation as lead vocalist with crossover folk artists Capercaillie is based on 30 years on the world stage and over a million album sales. Among numerous awards, she received the inaugural Scots Trad Music award for Best Gaelic Singer in 2003 and an OBE in 2006. Her unmistakeable voice is as distinctive as it is haunting and, along with truly innovative interpretations of Hebridean music, has been a major factor in the success Capercaillie have enjoyed. Many of the songs Karen collected for Urram have come from the incredible archive at The School Of Scottish Studies. Gura Mise Tha Gu Dubhach (one of the many songs collected by Dr John Lorne Campbell) opens the album with a delicate guitar chime that pre-empts a more familiar mix of keyboard, percussion and Karen’s dark, expressive vocal. And it’s here that the first of Karen’s international contributors makes an appearance, with a welcome injection of eastern spice from the sarod of Soumik Datta.

Tracklist:

01. Gura Mise Tha Gu Dubhach
02. A' Bhirlinn Bharrach
03. C A'n a Dh'fhag Thu M'fhichead Gini?
04. CI An Fhidheall/Cupair Thu, Taillear Thu
05. Urnaigh a Bhan Thigreach
06. Cha Teid Mor a Bharraigh Bhronach
07. Maol Ruanaidh Ghlinneachain
08. Saoil a Mhoir Am Pos Thu
09. Taladh Throndairnis
10. Chuir Iad An T-Suil a Pilot Ban
11. 'Eilean Fraoich
12. S I Nochd A' Chiad Oidche 'N Fhoghair
13. Cadal Cha Dean Mi